Three stations run by Northern competing in World Cup of Stations as passengers vote for the winner
Passengers are being asked to cast their vote and decide which railway station has the biggest positive impact on the local community by bringing people together.
Rail Delivery Group (RDG), which represents train operating companies, is running its annual World Cup of Stations competition and has received more than 150 entries from all over the country.
Haltwhistle, Hindley and Irlam, which are all run by Northern, are among 20 stations which made the shortlist for “creating connections that matter”.
The public have until Sunday, 18 October to vote for their favourite station.
On the evening of Wednesday, 14 October, each regional group will be cut down to its leading station, with those five finalists progressing through to the end.
The station with the most votes will be announced as the winner on Tuesday, 20 October.
The Irlam station house, in Greater Manchester, was derelict for nearly 25 years, but reopened in 2015 after a £2 million restoration.
The station is now a thriving community hub, which features impressive artwork, station gardens, a heritage room filled with railway memorabilia and a popular café bar described as “a magnificent combination of exuberant Victorian style, architectural flair and modern décor”.
Maintained by Friends of Irlam station, it is used to host community events throughout the year, as well as a number of weddings.
Hindley station, also in Greater Manchester, is best known for its brilliant station gardens.
They are tended to by volunteers from Friends of Hindley Station, who also work with Thrive Community Interest Company tackle social isolation by helping people with additional needs gain the confidence to travel by train.
Haltwhistle station, in Northumberland, has become a hugely important part of the local community since it was redeveloped by Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership.
They led projects to transform old railway buildings, which now provide offices and studios for small businesses, as well as a café in the former Water Tower. There is also a monthly market for local traders.
There are education trips to the former station booking office for schoolchildren, allowing them to learn about rail safety, rail heritage, train tickets, sustainability and the opportunities provided by rail travel.
Tricia Williams, Managing Director of Northern, said: “We’re delighted that three of our stations have been shortlisted for this year’s World Cup of Stations final.
“The credit must go to the volunteers who have worked extremely hard to turn all three into thriving community hubs.
“We’re now encouraging passengers to vote for their favourite station.”
Dan Mann, co-CEO of Rail Delivery Group, said: "The stories behind this year’s shortlisted stations show how rail helps people and communities thrive.
"Whether opening up opportunities, supporting local projects or bringing people together, each of these stations is making a real difference.
“As we move towards a simpler, more joined-up railway through Great British Railways, these stations highlight the important role our railway plays in connecting people, places and communities.
“This is your chance to celebrate that work. Read the stories, get behind your favourite and help us crown this year’s champion.”
Last year, Ashington took the World Cup of Stations title, after it brought passenger services back to the town in Northumberland for the first time in 60 years.
Voting takes place online at raildeliverygroup.com/WorldCupOfStations up until Sunday, 18 October.
Northern is the second largest train operator in the UK, with 2,650 services a day to more than 500 stations across the North of England.